Dodge Nature Center

Mission Statement

Providing exceptional experiences in nature through environmental education.

Impact and Programs

Accomplishments 2020 has been a year of change for Dodge, as it has for everyone. Our team has worked to find new ways to fulfill our mission of providing exceptional experiences in nature through environmental education during a time of social distancing, increased safety measures and reduced income. Spring programs, June camps, Dodge Nature Preschool, and community events were all cancelled in the second quarter of the year. In accordance with state guidelines for safety, Dodge offered outdoor summer camps in July and August with reduced enrollment (eight students per camp as opposed to the normal 20-30). And we restricted our space/event rentals, resulting in a loss of 70% of rental revenues. Dodge Preschool was able to reopen as well with reduced enrollment (Down to eight per class with two teachers). The Preschool changed its model to an entirely outdoor format with extra safety and cleaning measures for indoor spaces such as restrooms. Additionally, new outdoor classrooms were created to keep students in discreet sections and have separate parent drop-off/pick-up areas, minimizing overlap or contact crossover. In the fall of 2020, our education team changed the way we deliver nature education programs to our school partners. With diverse students learning from home or in hybrid situations, the team turned to delivering programs in school parking lots or virtually. Dodge has seen an increased number of visitors to all four of our sites as more people are looking for safe places in nature to walk, rest, and spend time outdoors.
Current Goals Provide more resources to support the community during COVID-19. Grow Dodge Nature Center's financial and fundraising strength. Increase Dodge Nature Center's organizational capacity. Address Dodge Nature Center's commitment to restoration.
Community or Constituency Served Dodge Nature Center and Preschool serve children and adults of all ages, which include preschoolers, school-aged children 6-12, teens, college students, parents, non-parents, and seniors.
Geographic Area Served Dodge Nature Center and Preschool draw participants from all over the Twin Cities metro area, however about 70% of the students are from Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties in Minnesota.

Reports & Finances

If you have additional questions regarding a nonprofit's financials, visit their website, or call and ask to review their IRS Form 990, Annual Report, or Audit for a more complete picture of their financial story.
Major Program Expenses
Field Trips/Camps:
$746,567
Preschool/Preschool Summer Camps:
$1,366,065
3 Year Average Expenses
Program Services
$2,110,612
80.3%
Management
$325,202
12.4%
Fundraising
$192,381
7.3%
Unrestricted Net Assets
End of Year:
Beginning of Year:
Difference:
2019
$8,760,919
$8,379,282
$381,637
2018
$8,379,282
$8,216,696
$162,586
2017
$8,216,696
$7,432,973
$783,723

Notes from the Council

Organization Last Reviewed on 03/04/2021

This date is representative of when we completed our initial Accountability Wizard® nonprofit review, and provided the organization with their results. This review is good for three years from the date provided
Return to List of Reviewed Nonprofits

Connect

Address:
365 Marie Ave W
West St Paul, MN 55118
Phone: 6514554531

General Information

Alternative Name: Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center
EIN: 41-6081794
Principal Staff: Jason Sanders
Number of Full-Time Equivalents (FTE): 38
Volunteer Opportunities: Yes
Number of Clients: 60,000
Ruling Year: 1967

Board

Board Chair: Sara Beckstrand
Number of Board Members: 23
Board Meetings with Quorum: 6
Average Member Attendance: 19.3

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Let’s Connect

1915 Highway 36 W Ste 133 • Roseville, Minnesota 55113-2709
Phone: (651) 224–7030 • E-mail: info@smartgivers.org

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